The Gazette’s annual toy, food drive is in full swing

MEDINA — The Gazette’s Not-Forgotten Box has collected more than 400 toys for children in need since the drive kicked off a week and a half ago.

But a lot more toys are needed.

Medina residents Henry Fralick, 4, and his sister, Amy, 6, place toys in The Gazette’s Not-Forgotten Box on Tuesday morning at 885 W. Liberty St. (GAZETTE PHOTO BY STEVE GRAZIER)

The Gazette is partnering again this year with The Salvation Army’s Christmas basket program for its Not-Forgotten Box toy and food drive.

So far, 438 toys have been donated since Nov. 23, according to Cindy Jordan, the newspaper’s customer service specialist.

The goal is 3,000 toys.

In addition, more than 40 cases and bags of food have been collected.

The newspaper is accepting new, unwrapped toys 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 14, for children, infancy through 17 years old, and nonperishable food items. Donations can be dropped off at the newspaper’s front office at 885 W. Liberty St., Medina.

Tax-deductible cash donations also will be accepted, and checks should be made out to The Not-Forgotten Box. They can be dropped off at the Gazette offices or mailed to The Gazette, P.O. Box 4010, Elyria, OH 44036.

All toys will be distributed to children through the Salvation Army of Medina, 425 W. Liberty St.